in memoriam: Erik Lindmark (Deeds of Flesh/Unique Leader)

While this site is normally replete with jokes, sarcasm, and hyperbole, at this time we’d like to take a solemn moment in recognition of the passing of Erik Lindmark, CEO/founder of Unique Leader records and vocalist/guitarist/founding member of Deeds of Flesh.

The label announced his passing (their statement, issued via Facebook, is below) this afternoon. We’d like to offer our most sincere sympathies to the label, his bandmates, and most importantly, his friends and family.

As a musician, his contribution to the world of death metal (especially with Deeds of Flesh) is something that has reached metalheads around the world. Via Unique Leader, his efforts (especially in the realms of technical and brutal death metal) resulted in the release of dozens of albums, often taking big chances on bands that he believed in. Even in more recent months he exuded excitement for upcoming releases and tours, speaking with enthusiasm and elation. We can honestly say, without the usual hyperbole or exaggeration, that the comapny’s name was a fitting description to his efforts.

Today the extreme metal world has lost a phenomenal musician, an influential label leader, and a friend to many. We encourage you to take a moment to mourn this loss, to listen to your favorite Deeds of Flesh/Unique Leader album (2013’s Portals to Canaan being a particular standout in our memory, for anyone who doesn’t have a go-to release) and to head over to the GoFundMe page to help his daughter and wife in this most difficult of times.

ERIK RAYMOND LINDMARK

1972-2018

It is with great sadness that we must announce that our CEO & Founder, Erik Lindmark, passed away today after battling with Sclerosis.

The indelible mark he has left on the Death Metal genre is monumental, both as a business man and as a musician. After building this label from scratch with his Deeds bandmates, Erik took Unique Leader to a level he had never expected it, or the genre, to get to.

During his time in Hospital, Erik was absolutely implicit with his instructions to staff to go full steam ahead with the label in his absence- which is exactly what we intend to do.

That being said, we will not be releasing anything in January so that we can make the necessary adjustments and delegations within the company. We would like to thank you all for your well wishes, support and kindness toward Erik on socials and via private correspondence.

There is a gofundme setup for Erik’s daughter Bella (5) and his wife- link below.